The Market of Marion is proud to announce the return of the Marion County Gourd Festival. The dates for the festival are February 15, 16, and 17, 2013. The festival will be open to the public on Friday from 8-3 PM, Saturday from 8-4 PM and Sunday from 8-2 PM. Participants may begin setting up on Wednesday, February 13, and are required to remain set up until the end of the show.

The festival will be held in our new event area. We now have a fully enclosed 37x160 building that we will use for crafters, vendors, classrooms and judging area. Growers may set up on a covered concrete aisle that is 37x280 or an open air asphalt aisle is also available to anyone with trailers or for those that wish to use their own covers. Show participants may stay in our camping area in self contained RVs or tents at no additional cost.

We will be handling the gourd judging a little differently than other shows. We will have three categories, plain , decorated , and decorated by those 15 years of age and younger. Show participants will not be allowed to enter gourds into the competition. Gourds will be accepted until 10 AM Saturday morning and must remain on display until 1PM Sunday. Judging will be done by the public. Ribbons will be given to the top three winners in each categories. First place in each categories will also receive a $100.00 cash prize.